Dying anorexic woman stands for first time in months

An anorexic woman on the cusp of death has taken a giant stride in her long road to recovery after being given access to life-saving treatment thanks to the generosity of strangers.

Rachael Farrokh, who weighs just '40-something pounds at five-foot seven', has risen to her feet for the first time in months - a miraculous milestone for someone who has been malnourished to the point where she was too weak to walk.

Rachael Farrokh has made a remarkable step in her battle against anorexia nervosa. Photo: Facebook/RodEdmondson

The 37-year-old former actress has been starving herself for more than a decade, and she has been bed-bound since her condition rapidly declined.

Her husband Rod Edmondson, who has been forced to quit his full-time job to become his wife's full-time carer, took to social media to share the incredible development.

In a video posted on his Facebook page, Ms Farrokh can be seen strapped into a harness as she is gradually lifted with the aid of a specialised machine.

She appears breathless and her facial expressions suggest the simple movement is exhausting, but she refuses to give up.

The footage was captioned #determination.

Anorexia sufferer Rachael Farrokh has stood up for the first time after being confined to her bed for months. Photo: Facebook/RodEdmondson

Ms Farrokh went public with her battle with anorexia nervosa in May when she pleaded with strangers 'to do anything they could' to help her overcome the devastating disease.

In the video, Rachel described the debilitating effects of her disorder and explained that she'd sought help from several different hospitals near to her San Clemente home, but none were able to give her the treatment she so desperately needed.

"Hi my name's Rachel. I need your help. I'm suffering from an eating disorder and it's a very severe kind of anorexia," she said.

"This is a psychological disease followed up by biological pain and suffering that goes with it.

She continued: "I have been to several treatment centres and it's been over ten years.

"I'm 5.7 and forty something pounds so no hospital will take me at this point.

"There's one hospital across the country that can help and my chances are very slim.

"I'm not one to ever ask for help, but I need your help. We need your help, otherwise I don't have a shot.

"I'm ready to get better so please if there's anything you can do to save my life please click the link you see and do anything you can. Anything will help."

A photo posted to Facebook of Rachael Farrokh in April 2009. Photo: Facebook/Rachael Farrokh

The video prompted a generous swell of donations in subsequent weeks after it was picked up by several news station and went viral.

Ms Farrokh was eventually accepted into the UC San Diego Medical Center, California, where she appears to have been making considerable progress in regaining her strength.

Rachael Farrokh pictured being wheeled into the UC San Diego Medical Center on June 20. Photo: Facebook/Rod Edmondson

Mr Edmondson, who has been documenting his wife's journey on social media, took to Facebook once again to share the fantastic news.

"We finally made it! Thanks to all of you who have been sending good thoughts. We are so excited to tell everyone that we are now safely in an Eating Disorder facility," he said.

"We have a lot of work ahead of us but with the love and support we will fight this to recovery."

So far, almost $170,000 has been raised in generous contributions via Ms Farrokh's Just Giving page. The money has been spent on bedside care and will assist in Ms Farrokh's continuing treatment.

Rachael Farrokh is filmed being lifted to her feet by devoted husband Rod Edmondson. Photo: Facebook/RodEdmondson

Last month, she posted a video on YouTube thanking generous well wishers for giving her 'the chance to live'.

"I want to thank you all for everything you're doing for us," she said.

"It's been so overwhelmingly good in our lives and I actually have a chance to live.